After seemingly taking his game to another extraordinary level, Ablett suffered the first major injury of his career in a rollercoaster 2014.

A dislocated left shoulder against Collingwood in round 16 not only ended the year for the dual Brownlow medallist, but also his team, which fell away badly after his injury.

The little master’s first 15 rounds were peerless, as he averaged 32 disposals and kicked 24 goals to have the SUNS sitting comfortably in the top eight.

Ablett topped 30 disposals on 10 occasions and was ranked first in the AFL for average contested possessions (17.5) and clearances (7.9). The 30-year-old is entering his 14th season, but has lost none of his strength, speed or evasion and appears to still have many good years in front of him.